Sound knowledge on parasite fauna of pangolins is crucial for evaluation of their health status. In the present review, a checklist of 34 genera of parasites and bacteria, including 4 genera of protozoan, 13 genera of helminthes, 8 genera of ticks, 2 genera of mites and 7 genera of bacteria reported from pangolins was compiled and their zoonotic potential were discussed. The aim of this checklist is to underline the information gap and to provide a reference list of parasites and bacteria known for pangolins to assist in their further investigation.

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Check list of parasites and bacteria recorded from pangolins (Manis sp.).

Surveillance of ticks and associated pathogens in free-ranging Formosan pangolins (Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla).

The observations of Sunda pangolin reproductive parameters in this paper were based on the wild-caught animals and those that had spent time in captive environments, however, when analyzing the results, we did not consider differences in terms of breeding habits between the two. Still, this research has led to an increase in knowledge of the breeding habits of the Sunda pangolin. Our results suggest that there is no breeding season or season of parturition for the Sunda pangolin, which breeds all year round. We estimated the gestation period in this species to be around six months. Sexual maturity occurred at one year old or as early as six-seven months old in some individuals, and requires further investigation. Each Sunda pangolin in this study gave birth to one offspring at a time. The sex ratio at birth was 0.875:1 (♀:♂) (n = 15); and the weaning age was estimated at four months with a weight of 1.19 ± 0.50 kg (n = 3), which concurs with recent research. Findings in this study will contribute to future analyses of population dynamics, species conservation, and both in situ and ex situ management of the Sunda pangolin. Despite this contribution, further studies are needed on the reproductive parameters of Sunda pangolin.

Reproductive parameters of the Sunda pangolin, Manis javanica

Pangolins have historically suffered high mortality rates in captivity. As wild pangolin populations decline, there is a need to improve the ability to maintain healthy populations in captivity. This chapter presents veterinary health information obtained from the literature and rescue and rehabilitation centers, conservation breeding programs and zoos housing pangolins worldwide. It presents reference ranges for respiratory rate, heart rate, core body temperature, blood biochemistry and hematology, and a comprehensive formulary of therapeutic agents used to treat pangolins. It also discusses bacterial, protozoan, viral and parasitic organisms known for pangolins, but there is little knowledge of the health impact of infection with these organisms. Non-infectious diseases commonly seen in captive pangolins include respiratory disease, trauma and gastrointestinal ulceration. There remain significant gaps in knowledge of pangolin health, with little, if any, information on the Philippine, black-bellied and giant pangolins.

Veterinary health of pangolins

The Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) is widely distributed in Southeast Asia from Myanmar, Thailand, Laos PDR, Cambodia and Vietnam, throughout Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, to Borneo, Sumatra and Java and surrounding islands. There is uncertainty over its distribution in China. A medium-sized mammal, the species reaches a total length of 140 cm and a typical weight of 4–7 kg, though larger individuals have been recorded. The species inhabits primary and secondary tropical forest, scrub and swamp forest, and modified landscapes including monoculture (e.g., oil palm) plantations, and gardens. Semi-arboreal, solitary and nocturnal, the species searches for ant and termite prey on the ground and in trees using its acute olfactory senses. The Sunda pangolin has a long history of utilization by indigenous peoples and international trade, both legal and illegal, which has resulted in severe population declines in many parts of the range. Unsustainable exploitation is the primary threat to the species.

Sunda pangolin Manis javanica (Desmarest, 1822)

Fifty one living Malayan pangolins(Manis javanica) were obtained from Zhanjiang Forestry Bureau of Guangdong on August 23,2001The age structure and parasites of the animals were analyzed and examinedAccording to the wear degree of their claws,scales and hair,the behavior relationships between mother and baby,and body weight,they were divided into 4 age groups: cub,sub-adult,adult and senior,and were composted of 7(137%),21(412%),19(373%) and 4(78%) individuals respectivelySex ratio was 1∶097(♀∶♂)The epibiont and endoparasite in these pangolins were surveyed by naked eyes observation and examination of their droppingsOnly one species of tick parasite was found beneath scales of the animals,named as Amblyomma javanese SupinoThe infection rate was 6863%(35/51),but the juveniles were not infectedThe health conditions of infected individuals were poorWe also discussed the ecological security to release this species in China

Yang Li

Papers

Age structure and parasites of Malayan pangolin (Manis javanica).